The course will use a combination of lecture, discussion, individual work, and group work, with an emphasis on hands-on editing of documents.
1. Editing Fundamentals
Working with documents on paper and/or on screen, students will
- learn how copy editing, proofreading, and stylistic editing differ from each other and from other types of editing
- examine documents for spelling, grammar, readability, clarity, and appropriateness
- check material for general accuracy and consistency of content
- perform minor rewrites of material, retaining substance, voice, and intent of the original
- edit material for bias, stereotyping, libelous statements, and sensitivities of the reader
- learn how to use a selected conventional style (for example, Canadian Press style)
- use standard copy-editing symbols and electronic markup (for example, track changes)
- become familiar with basic editing tools, including style sheets
- become familiar with basic legal issues involved in editing, including copyright and permissions
- develop the skills required to present editorial feedback in an effective, professional way
- examine the relationship between the writer and the editor in the creation of documents
2. Editing for Standards of Grammar and Usage
Students will
- become more familiar with Canadian English standards of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage
- compare English, American, and Canadian language conventions
- examine different style manuals, usage manuals, and other reference books
- become familiar with a variety of dictionaries, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each
- become aware of language that leads to bias and stereotyping
3. Editing and Production
Students will
- look at the role of copy editing and proofreading in the publishing of print and electronic documents
- become familiar with basic print and production terminology and tools
- use standard proofreading symbols, tool, and techniques to indicate changes to be made in print and electronic documents
Students who successfully complete this course will
- edit documents for readability, style, substance, and grammatical accuracy
- learn and use standard copy-editing and proofreading symbols
- practise techniques for copy editing, proofreading, and stylistic editing (on paper and on screen)
- practise communicating editing decisions in an effective, professional way
- develop an understanding of the editor’s role in the scheduling and production of print and electronic documents
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Short editing assignments | 20% |
| Major copy-editing assignment | 20% |
| Major proofreading assignment | 25% |
| Final exam | 25% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above) | 10% |
| 100% |
Texts will include
- current editions of editing resources such as the Canadian Press Stylebook and Caps and Spelling
- coursepack of required readings
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
or a minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher
or permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator
None
None